Frequently Asked Tax Questions

What is the best time of the year to travel to Greece ?

It depends on where you want to go. The best months to visit the islands are May, June, early July, late August, September and early October. Avoid the dates July 20th to August 20th which are the busiest of the tourist season, and late October because the weather gradually deteriorates.

If you want to visit the Greek mainland, then March, April, May, June, September and October are suitable months. July and August are both very warm and busy.

Do I need a Visa to enter GREECE? Is a vaccination required ?

Visitors from the European Union need only their Identification Card to enter Greece. For visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, a Passport is required.

A Visa is not required for a tourist/business stay of up to 90 days. However, if you travel on an official or diplomatic U.S. passport, you will need a Visa issued through the U.S. State Department. Similar restrictions exist for other official and diplomatic passport holders from other nations. More importantly, your U.S. or Canadian passport must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the end of your projected stay.

This is true for many countries, not just Greece, and it is a good idea to never travel on a passport with less than six months valid time remaining. For additional information, consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Greece, 2221 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (              202/939-5818         202/939-5818 or 5800).

Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, South Korea (the Republic of Korea), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, St Kitts & Nevis, San Marino, the Slovak Republic, Switzerland, and Vatican City also do not need a Visa.

For the citizens of Brazil, El Salvador, and Uruguay, a Visa is also not required, but the visa-free period is for 60 days. Requirements for other countries vary substantially and should be verified with the local Greek Embassy or Consulate in that country.

Technically, Greek officials may ask to see travel tickets for your return home or for additional destinations beyond Greece. In practice, this rarely occurs and usually will only be asked for if there is a suspicion that the visitor intends to attempt to work in Greece illegally.

It is more likely to occur prior to a one-way flight, or with some other form of transportation into Greece, rather than once you've arrived on Greek soil. No vaccinations are required for Greece.

Can I use my credit cards/traveller's cheques ?

All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-cheques are recognized and accepted in most hotels, shops, travel and car rental agencies and restaurants.

Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are acceptable. Traveller's Cheques issued by all the major Greek companies are widely recognized.

You can cash your traveller's cheques in all Greek and foreign banks, exchange bureaus and big hotels, but do not forget to have your passport with you. Identification is necessary for the transaction.

What happens when I arrive in Athens Greece ?

There will be two different channels at immigration: one for citizens of EU countries and one for everyone else. If you are a US citizen, you will go through the latter channel.

You will need to get your passport stamped by the immigration officials, It is also possible that you will need to answer a few questions, but nothing daunting. You will then have to wait a fairly long time for your bags to appear on the carousel. Be patient.

Once you have collected all of your bags, you should then exit through the "nothing to declare" channel of the customs area, unless you are carrying dutiable goods You will then exit into the main area.

How do I get to Athens from the Air Port ?

The air port has moved from Gylfada to a larger site further south. The new airport is very modern, very nice and organized..So you can either take the metro into the city (your bus ticket also is a 24 hour metro/city bus ticket) or catch a boat to what ever island you are going to.

If you are staying in the Plaka you will most likely want Syntagma or Monastiraki. Ask your hotel which station is closer. There may be a bus that goes directly to central Athens as well. Before you spend your first night in Athens, decided on what you are planning on doing.

If you are going right to the islands, see when the boat leaves. Many of the boats leave at night and arrive on the island the next day. If your boat leaves in the evening, there is no point is spending a night in Athens then wasting a day (assuming you will spend your last couple of days seeing the sites in Athens).

How much should a taxi cost ?

The taxis in Athens and big cities have a meter that starts at EURO 0,80. The minimum fare is EURO 2,0. The fee when taking a taxi from airports and ports is EURO 1,80.

For every piece of luggage over 10kg there is a supplement of EURO 0,50. After midnight the tariff is doubled. You can only pay cash. Taxi drivers are not obliged to issue receipts but may be able to provide you with one upon request.

The standard ride airport-Athens city is 25,00 - EURO 30,00 depending on the traffic and the time of the day.

Can I bring my own car to GREECE ?

Yes, you can. For drivers bringing their own cars to Greece, no special documents are required for limited stays of up to three months. However, international third-party insurance is required.

The vehicle's details are entered into the driver's passport on entering the country. This helps with regard to possible theft, and prevents the car from being left in Greece.

For stays exceeding three months, drivers should contact the Greek Automobile Touring Club (ELPA), Athens Tower, Messogion 2-4.

What's the Greek weather like ?

All of us think of Greece as sunny and warm. The cold, damp and sometimes windy weather from late October until March will therefore come as a surprise.

Houses and even public buildings are built to stay cool in summer, which means many are downright cold in winter. Central heating frequently isn't turned on during the day. Be prepared with a few sweaters!

What should I bring. ?

1. Sun block, sun block and more sun block.
(I tend to bring one bottle and buy another there.)
2. A hat that covers your face.
3. A good pair of sunglasses that block U.V. rays.
4. 2 sets of "day clothes" that are cool and comfortable.
Can be shorts (nice) and a decent t-shirt. Should be cotton.
Many women travelers wear sun skirts, but this may get you stared at.
5. a set of "evening" clothes that include pants and a nice shirt.
How you look is important.
Also you want to wear pants if you go into a major church.
6. Good walking shoes. Acropolis tended to be on high peaks (surprise surprise) and they tend to have a lot of rocks.
Many of the island villages have cobble stone streets.
7. A Day bag that you can carry a 1.5 L bottle of water in, your guide books, sun screen and towel in.
8. A decent camera that you can hide in your pocket or bag.
I leave my expensive one at home.
9. 200 or speed film. All purpose most of your pictures will be outside.
Can even get by with 100.
10. A guide book.
11. Toothbrush, razor, etc.

Do I have to speak Greek to survive in GREECE ?

But of course you don't... Fortunately, Greece is a country with a very long tradition in tourism, therefore, all of the people who are working in the tourism industry have a good knowledge of the English language.

Even the Greek traditional people living on the island have a basic understanding of the English language and are usually happy to give you any kind of information you wish. Especially among the younger Greek generation, you will find most of them speaking Italian, in addition to English and Greek, as the island has many visitors from Italy during the high season. So, speaking Greek is not necessary... however, visitors who attempt to speak Greek are thoroughly encouraged by the locals.

Even if it's just a phrase or a few words, the gesture is always appreciated. Indeed, Greek is a language of gestures and to speak it also entails a lot of gesticulation.

One point of confusion, however, is the slight jerk of the head or eyebrows upward to indicate 'no.' So, here are some tips in Greek that you might find of use during your stay: Don't confuse 'yes' and 'no.' Yes is ne - which sounds like 'no' or 'nah' to English speakers.

No is okhi - which sounds like 'okay' to English speakers. Need something? Remember to say 'Please!' - parakalo - par-ah-kah-LO. And always say 'Thank you!' - efkharisto- eff-car-ee-STOH.

A general affirmative is entaksi - en-DOCK-see - right, okay, uh-huh. Greece greets differently, depending on the time of day. In the morning, say kalimera - kah-lee-MARE-ah - and, in the afternoon, say kalomesimeri - kah-lo-messy-mary- In the evening, say kalispera - kah-lee-spare-ah.

To say goodnight, say kalinikta - kah-lee-neek-tah. You can also just say 'Hello' anytime - yia sas or yiassou - yah-sooo.

What about the Greek Cuisine ?

The Greek food is considered to be both delicious and most nutritious at the same time, so don't be afraid to try it out: Find a nice restaurant with a great view, open the menu, and let the party begin!

In case you're completely confused with what you read in it, this is a small useful guide for you: Soup - Avgolemono. This is a pleasant chicken soup with lemon and rice.

Greek Mezedes - Assorted appetizers, such as a selection of Greek olives, and some taramosalata (caviar spread, generally pretty mildly flavored), tzaziki (a cool, creamy cucumber and garlic dip), and/or hummous (flavorful mashed garbanzo bean dip). You may also find cold dolmadakia, stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and tomato, which as meat-filled dolmades do double duty as an entree.

Tyropita and spanakopita are cheese and spinach pies, respectively. Famous Greek Souvlaki - Skewers of chicken, lamb, beef or, most commonly, pork, grilled and often served with tzaziki sauce. Simple fare, generally delicious, occasionally tough. Moussaka - A layered primarily vegetable casserole, often made with eggplant, sometimes with the addition or substitution of squash or potatoes or other vegetables.

Topped with Bechamel sauce, a rich, fluffy, cheese-flavored, custardy sauce, usually forming a high-calorie layer about an inch thick. But it is delicious. Pastitsio - Similar to the above, only made with macaroni and ground beef, vaguely similar to lasagna, but without the tomatoes. Usually a safe bet for kids.

Stuffed Tomatoes or Stuffed Bell Peppers - Nearly universal dish, especially savory in Greece, great for the timid eater. It will taste pretty much like home no matter where you come from. The plain, little cafes directly across from the gate to Knossos offer excellent examples of this simple standby. Coffee - If you want something like American coffee, ask for a filtered coffee or French coffee.

Nescafe Instant is greatly respected in Greece, and finer restaurants will ceremoniously bring out an empty cup, a small silver pot of water, and the precious single packet of Nescafe, in response to a request for a cup of coffee.

Now, genuine Greek coffee is delicious and can be ordered in a variety of ways - give it a try! Baklava - honey-drenched pastry with nuts. Delicious, if a bit sticky and chewy. Not good for those with sensitive teeth!

Note : If you are a vegetarian travel ling in Greece, you may be surprised at the relative scarcity of vegetarian restaurant meals, except at specifically vegetarian restaurants.

With wonderfully abundant fresh vegetables available, more choices might be expected. But in Greece, people go to restaurants largely to dine on cooked meats that they may not get every day. Worse, vegetables are often cooked in chicken broth, and it is very difficult to get trustworthy information on this point from the restaurant staff.

Salads are a safe bet, but cooked vegetable dishes will often contain meat or animal products. Many Greek restaurants still allow diners to wander into the kitchen to see what's cooking. Bring your camera for a great "action shot" you'll treasure. Enjoy your exploration of Greek cuisine!

Can I use my mobile phone in GREECE ?

If you want to use your mobile abroad, you may need to get permission from your network operator before travelling.

This involves calling customer service and asking for your phone to be enabled for international use. This function can be switched on remotely. But, you should also check to see that the specifications of your phone are compatible with networks abroad. The GSM Association's website has a full list.

Once you arrive in Greece, your phone will lock onto the network with the strongest signal. While some devices will let you choose which one you can use, you will have to reset it each time you switch on the phone.

Frequent travellers to Greece often purchase a mobile phone for Greece, or purchase another Sim card which they swap when they arrive in Greece.

The main Greek active networks, particularly on Greece, are Vodafone, TeleStet and Cosmote.

Shall I take my computer ?

Don't expect 24-hour computer centers, but it won't be difficult to find compatible software and printers.

The problem is power. Electricity in Greece is 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Check your computer for a dual voltage switch. If there isn't one, then check with your manufacturer.

You will need a transformer and an adapter. Finally, leave your printer at home.

Fluctuating air pressures may wreak havoc with the toner.